KUNITSU-GAMI: PATH OF THE GODDESS

Exorcism on the dancefloor

FORMAT PS5, PS4 / ETA OUT NOW / PUB CAPCOM / DEV CAPCOM / PLAYERS 1

Described by Capcom as a “Japanese-inspired, single-player kagura action strategy game” (kagura is a traditional type of dance-theatre), Kunitsu-Gami can more accurately be explained as something like a single-player MOBA crossed with tower defence… where the tower is slowly moving through discrete maps. It’s a lot to get used to.

Your silent protagonist is tasked with protecting a goddess as she performs a kagura dance ritual which cleanses spirits. Each mission is split into a day/night cycle; while the sun is up you can run around the cursed villages to cleanse locals who have been calcified in gross-looking rot. Saved, they’re happy to help – meaning you can assign them jobs like spearman or archer to help defend the goddess come sundown.

FIGHT NIGHT

When night falls, yokai-like spirits called Seethe attack through the level’s torii gates, traditional arches that stand outside Japanese shrines. Acting like checkpoints, they’re where the goddess’ path ultimately leads, meaning the further she dances, the closer she gets to danger. Killing Seethe and cleansing the area earns a currency used to switch villagers’ jobs, but is also needed to carve out a literal path for the goddess to follow.

The challenge comes from juggling improving your villagers so they can provide a solid defence while also making progress. You can nudge the balance by issuing tactical orders to the villagers, and by jumping into the fray yourself. Action is simple and streamlined, with normal and heavy attacks making for simple combos that can turn the tide of a night dramatically.

Which is all to say Kunitsu-Gami is a game that evolves the more you refine your tactics, and the more you get used to the unique cadence of gameplay. Special levels, from frequent boss battles to clashes on boats and even one that has us unable to hack and slash ourselves, keep things fresh. With a melancholy and beautiful vibe and gorgeous diorama-like visuals, these first steps to the dance have us wanting to take another turn on the floor. Check back next issue – the game will be out just after this one and we’ll have our full thoughts.